ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again urged the nation to strictly observe standard operating procedures in fighting third wave of the Corona pandemic, which is more dangerous than previous two waves.

“I urge you all to wear a mask, and I appeal you to follow all the SoPs for your sake and for the sake of Pakistan,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said in an interaction with the people through telephone and was aired live.

It was Prime Minister Imran Khan’s first public interaction since he had the Covid19 and has been working from his home office.

Khan said it was Allah Almighty’s blessings that He protected us from the first two waves of the deadly wave of Coronavirus. He said despite vaccinating their people, countries in Europe were going in for lockdowns. He mentioned the impact of the third wave in neighbouring countries – India and Bangladesh and said “Putting on a mask is the most important thing in protecting oneself.”

“Put it on whenever you are in an enclosed room with people, in buses, everywhere,” and said the world today recognises it as an important protective measure.

The Prime Minister said Allah had been merciful for the people of Pakistan during the first two waves, and Pakistan escaped the serious negative impact, but now the people have become complacent and no one was worried anymore.

“People are roaming around without any fear. If this spreads more, it would pressurise our hospital systems.”

“We are not going for a lockdown, [but] only implementing restrictions, [but if the situation worsens] else we will be forced to take the next step,” the Prime Minister warned.

He said according to the data the poor were the most affected people in the entire world, and around 150 million people went below the poverty line across the world. The prime minister said it was his wish to protect the poor segments of society at all costs and said he wants them to take safeguards.

“No one can predict how much this third wave will last,” he said and added it was therefore vital that people strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures (SoPs).

Responding to question by a caller about inflation Prime Minister said government has made controlling inflation its top priority and several administrative measures have been taken to check dearness in the country.

He said government is importing gas on lower rates under new contracts and also giving subsidy to people on it.

He said rupee is strengthening, it will also help control price hike in the country.

Prime Minister said 70 percent of power is being produced through imported fuel, which is another reason behind price hike.

He said middle man is also cause of dearness, government is working to address all the causes of inflation through administrative and other measures.